Johnson, M.K., & Raye, C.L. (2000). Cognitive and brain mechanisms of false memories and beliefs. In D.L. Schacter & E. Scarry (Eds.), Memory and belief (pp. 36-86). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

This chapter describes some of the cognitive processes that give rise to false memories and beliefs, and discusses possible underlying brain mechanisms. Cognitive studies of normal individuals, in combination with observations from neuropsychology and psychopathology, and with evidence from newer brain imaging techniques, permit a reasonably rich characterization of how distortion may come about. Such distortions include both everyday errors and the more profound constructions and fabrications categorized as confabulations and delusions.

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